Healthy Relationships

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Transcript of Healthy Relationships

Healthy RelationshipsHow can we communicate better?Communication is highly important and open, honest communication should be part of every healthy relationship.It surly can save one's life...IT STARTS WITH COMMUNICATIONFind the Right TimeAvoid talking about serious matters or issues in writing. Text messages, letters and emails can be misinterpreted. Talk face-to-face so there are not any unnecessary miscommunications.Do Not AttackEven when we mean well, we can sometimes come across as harsh because of our word choice. Using “you” can sound like you’re attacking, which will make your partner defensive and less receptive to your message. Instead, try using “I” or “we.” For example, say “I feel like we haven’t been as close lately” instead of “You have been distant with me.”Be HonestAgree to be honest. Sometimes the truth hurts, but it’s the key to a healthy relationship. Admit that you aren’t always perfect and apologize when you make a mistake instead of making excuses. You will feel better and it will help strengthen your relationship.Check Your Body LanguageMake eye contact when speaking. Sit up and face your partner. Let your partner know you’re listening. Show them you really care. Don’t take a phone call, text or play a video game when you’re talking. Listen and respond.TIPS FOR HEALTHYCOMMUNICATION If something is bothering you and you would like to talk about it, make sure you pick the right time to talk. Do not interrupt the person when he or she is busy, even if they are just watching a TV show or about to sleep. If there isn't a "good time" to talk with the person, tell the person you would like to speak with them at their best convenient time. Remember, healthy relationship communication can be between any two or more people. Ex: A parent, a sibling, a boss, a partner, or a friend... etc. Talk Face to FaceUse the 48 Hour RuleIf the person does something that makes you angry, you need to tell them about it. But you don’t have to do so right away. If you’re still hurt 48 hours later, say something. If not, consider forgetting about it. But remember the person can’t read your mind. If you don’t speak up when you’re upset, there is no way for them to apologize or change. Once you do mention your hurt feelings and the person sincerely apologies, let it go. Don’t bring up past issues if they’re not relevant.How to Communicate if You Are Angry?StopIf you get really angry about something, stop, take a step back and breathe. Give yourself time to calm down by watching TV, talking to a friend, playing a video game, taking a walk, listening to some music or whatever helps you relax. Taking a break can keep the situation from getting worse.Think After you’re no longer upset, think about the situation and why you got so angry. Was it how your partner spoke or something they did? Figure out the real problem then think about how to explain your feelings.TalkFinally, talk to the person and when you do, follow the tips above for better communication. ListenAfter you tell your partner how you feel, remember to stop talking and listen to what they have to say. You both deserve the opportunity to express how you feel in a safe and healthy environment.Communicating is not always easy. At first, some of these tips may feel unnatural or awkward, but they will help you communicate better and build a healthy relationship.http://www.loveisrespect.org/Remember, if something is bothering you- it is best to talk about it. Family Communication How to have healthy relationship for your family member. Communication Tips for ParentsBe available for your children/parentLet your kids know you're listeningWhen your children are talking about concerns, stop whatever you are doing and listen. Express interest in what they are saying without being intrusive.Listen to their point of view, even if it's difficult to hear. Let them complete their point before you respond. Repeat what you heard them say to ensure that you understand them correctly.Respond in a way your children will hearSoften strong reactions; kids will tune you out if you appear angry or defensive. Express your opinion without putting down theirs; acknowledge that it's okay to disagree. Resist arguing about who is right. Instead say, "I know you disagree with me, but this is what I think." Focus on your child's feelings rather than your own during your conversation.Remember:Ask your children what they may want or need from you in a conversation, such as advice, simply listening, help in dealing with feelings or help solving a problem. Kids learn by imitating. Most often, they will follow your lead in how they deal with anger, solve problems and work through difficult feelings.Talk to your children — don't lecture, criticize, threaten or say hurtful things. Kids learn from their own choices. As long as the consequences are not dangerous, don't feel you have to step in. Realize your children may test you by telling you a small part of what is bothering them. Listen carefully to what they say, encourage them to talk and they may share the rest of the story.Parenting is hard workListening and talking is the key to a healthy connection between you and your children.But parenting is hard work and maintaining a good connection with teens can be challenging, especially since parents are dealing with many other pressures. If you are having problems over an extended period of time, you might want to consider consulting with a mental health professional to find out how they can help.Notice times when your kids are most likely to talk — for example, at bedtime, before dinner, in the car — and be available.Start the conversation; it lets your kids know you care about what's happening in their lives.Find time each week for a one-on-one activity with each child, and avoid scheduling other activities during that time.Learn about your children's interests — for example, favorite music and activities — and show interest in them.Initiate conversations by sharing what you have been thinking about rather than beginning a conversation with a questionRemember... Children and some teens are still learning, they may not know how to communicate effectively- train them, by showing them how you communicate effectively. Remember, no conversation is worth hurting others. - Communication is a tool, not a weapon.